WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Deputies think man died in his truck while trying to beat the heat
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HOLDEN, LA (WAFB) - Authorities believe a man whose body was found inside a truck Tuesday evening in Holden may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning while trying to stay cool in the recent high temperatures.
According to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office, Clyde Pitre, 49, looked like he had been dead at least a couple of days.
Neighbors told investigators they had not seen him in a couple of days.
Deputies received the call about the dead man on July 27 around 7:30 p.m.
Detectives said the coroner pointed out a skin discoloration on Pitre consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to investigators, there were several factors which led them to believe he died trying to beat the summer heat.
They said the home near where the truck was found did not have a working air conditioner.
Additionally, the truck was out of gas, the battery was dead, the ignition key was in the "run" position and the A/C controls were turned to the coldest setting.
Officials reported the victim was not wearing much clothes and he was seated upright behind the steering wheel of the pickup.
The official high temperature on Sunday was 94 degrees.
Meteorologists estimate the heat index was about 105.
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